Spanish-style Stuffed Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated 1 carrot, grated
• 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 100g (3.5 oz) grated cheese (such as Manchego or Cheddar) 100g (3.5 oz) grated cheese (such as Manchego or Cheddar)
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, carrot, breadcrumbs, eggs, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   On a clean surface, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangular shape.
4. 4.
   Spread the grated cheese evenly over the meat mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Carefully roll the meat mixture into a log, sealing the edges to enclose the filling.
6. 6.
   Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the meatloaf in the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
7. 7.
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
9. 9.
   Serve the Spanish-style Stuffed Meatloaf warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor.
• Paprika — Opt for smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor of the meatloaf.
• Cheese — Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Manchego or Cheddar work well, but you can also try using Gouda or Mozzarella for a milder taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
• Make sure to let the meatloaf rest before slicing to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serve the meatloaf with a side of Spanish rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftover meatloaf can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a cold sandwich filling the next day.
• Customize the filling by adding ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted peppers for extra flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Spanish-style Stuffed Meatloaf as the centerpiece of a meal, accompanied by your favorite side dishes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

When serving the meatloaf, slice it into thick, even slices to showcase the beautiful layers of meat and filling. Arrange the slices on a platter or individual plates, and drizzle with a touch of olive oil for an elegant finishing touch.